BRMS to tighten up parallel-parallel saves

This applies to shops using a media library with multiple drives.

There is currently a hack in BRMS where if, instead of doing
Backup
Seq Items
10 *SAVSYS
20 *IBM
30 *ALLUSR
40 *ALLDLO
50 *LINK

You replace the *ALLUSR with a list name and put *ALLUSR on that list, and, instead of doing a parallel-serial save it will do a parallel-parallel save.
A parallel-serial save spreads libraries across volumes but keeps each library on a single tape (space permitting)
A parallel-parallel save will also spread the contents of a single library across volumes.
Some prefer the parallel-serial save for fear of having to restore from a single drive device. Less tape flopping.
I will NEVER have to restore from a single drive device. IDC if we're talking earthquakes, fire, flood, whatever.
I have two libraries which are massive in size compared to the rest of the libraries. It makes more sense to also spread the contents of those libraries out to increase speed. If I was using physical tapes it would also leave less tapes with wasted space.

I did a big mistake and asked for an enhancement. IBM replied to RFE. They will close this hack. Freedom of choice is not to be tolerated.
http://www.ibm.com/developerworks/rfe/execute?use_case=viewRfe&CR_ID=128968

Rob Berendt
--
IBM Certified System Administrator - IBM i 6.1
Group Dekko
Dept 1600
Mail to: 2505 Dekko Drive
Garrett, IN 46738
Ship to: Dock 108
6928N 400E
Kendallville, IN 46755
http://www.dekko.com